South Carolina

Sample South Carolina's Craft Brews Straight from the Source

Across South Carolina, there is no shortage of artisanal brews and diverse flavors.

If it grows in this southern U.S. state, it’s likely you will find those flavors embodied in a local craft brew. The history of beer in the United States is deeply rooted in South Carolina’s history, and it all started in the coastal city of Charleston when an earthquake struck the city in 1886. To aid in the rebuild, settlers brought 12 tons of beer to quench the displaced residents’ thirst during their road to recovery. This introduction to the hoppy beverage enticed the growing of barley and hops in South Carolina.

Today, Charleston brewers continue to keep their taps flowing with bold and exciting flavors, like a brew made from grits. The use of grains is crucial to the production of quality beer, so it seems only natural that local beers would incorporate grits for a local twist. Coarsely ground corn is a staple of the South and can now be found as a staple of brews at Revelry Brewery. Make your way to the Charleston coast for a tasting at Holy City Brewery, here you can embark on a local drinking experience and taste the richness of their seasonal Oyster Stout, a dark and silky brew made from locally harvested South Carolina oysters.

there’s another secret to the area’s diverse craft beer scene: locally discovered yeast strains. With more than 2,000 strains of yeast in existence, incorporating a variety is just one of the ways brewers create diversity that is sure to please every palette. SouthYeast Labs and The Carolina Bauernhaus are just a handful of the many places where you are able to see and taste the science behind the beer.

But to get a true Carolina brew experience, head outdoors starting in the city of Anderson, where festival season ramps up alongside the heat of summer and there’s no stopping the flow of refreshing craft beers. Kick off your journey at the Carolina Brew HaHa Festival, where you will find plenty of small-batch samples from some of South Carolina’s best breweries.

Or head to Euphoria Greenville to experience a wide range of quintessential tastes. Located in upstate South Carolina, this four-day event showcases an impressive itinerary of tasting events, intimate musical performances, food trucks, cooking demonstrations and wine seminars, as well as extravagant dinners. Take your tastes from pint to plate with your share of mouthwatering barbecue.

Looking for more? Make sure to watch Olly’s Ale Trails on the Travel Channel and follow along as he experiences the tastes of South Carolina’s innovative beer scene.